Some Challenges to Crashworthiness Analysis

In the past twenty years, the explicit finite element method has been successfully employed for crash simulation. At present, crashworthiness analysis is still basically a calibration based engineering practice, but not a fully predictive process. The increasing expectations and requirements on CAE are even more challenging. To develop a predictive and reliable CAE tool, it is important to investigate the root causes that affect the numerical accuracy and the availability of the analytical method. Some of the challenging issues are discussed here from both theoretical and engineering aspects, such as convergence of explicit finite element method, locking-free shell element, analysis of material rupture, and modeling of spot weld.